Amidst the corporate chaos and philosophical dilemmas of The Outer Worlds 2, there’s a unique source of entertainment and propaganda: the radio. This feature adds a rich layer of world-building, offering a sonic glimpse into the different factions vying for control in the Halcyon colony. If you’re wondering how to use the radio in The Outer Worlds 2 and what each station offers, you’ve tuned to the right frequency. This guide will walk you through accessing the radio, unlocking all stations, and understanding their distinct flavors.
How to Access the Radio
Accessing the radio in The Outer Worlds 2 is a straightforward process integrated into your menu.
Open the Pause Menu.
Navigate to the Journal tab.
Within the Journal, select the Wireless sub-tab.
Here, you will see a list of all available radio stations. You can simply select any unlocked station to start broadcasting its content directly through your game’s audio.
How to Unlock All Radio Stations
The radio feature is not available from the very beginning. It becomes accessible after you complete the game’s prologue, a mission titled “A Cause Worth Killing For.” Once you finish this initial quest and gain more freedom to explore, the Wireless tab will appear in your Journal.
Initially, only two stations are available. The third station is locked behind story progression:
Wireless Free Arcadia: Unlocked by default after the prologue.
Protectorate Sanctioned Wireless: Unlocked by default after the prologue.
Grand Plan Wireless: This station becomes available only after you reach a specific mid-game story point related to the Order of the Ascendant faction. Progress through the main quests to unlock it.
All Radio Stations Explained
Each of The Outer Worlds 2 radio stations represents a major ideological force in the game, providing not just music but also commentary, news, and propaganda.
Wireless Free Arcadia
This station is the voice of unapologetic capitalism and consumerism in Halcyon. Tune in for:
Music: Upbeat, cheerful corporate jingles and pop songs that glorify the free market and the joys of brand loyalty.
Content: Sponsored news segments and entertainment updates, often brought to you by “Auntie’s Choice.” It serves as a satirical take on commercial radio, constantly reminding citizens of the benefits of their corporate overlords.
Protectorate Sanctioned Wireless
As the official broadcasting service of the colony’s governing body, this station is all about control and conformity.
Music: Sober, gospel-like propaganda hymns designed to inspire loyalty and obedience to The Protectorate.
Content: Official announcements, state-approved news, and social messaging that reinforces the government’s authority and the “Grand Plan” for societal order.
Grand Plan Wireless
This station is the voice of the enigmatic and intellectual faction, the Order of the Ascendant. It offers a more philosophical and calculated perspective.
Music: Slower, more methodical tunes with mathematical and scientific themes, reflecting the faction’s focus on logic and a grand, calculated future.
Content: Philosophical reflections, futurist insights, and broadcasts from the “Order of the Ascendant.” It provides a stark contrast to the emotional appeals of the other stations, focusing on cold, hard logic and the betterment of humanity through a pre-determined path.
Finding Physical Radios in the World
Beyond the menu, you can also find physical radio devices scattered throughout the star system of Arcadia. These world objects will be playing one of the three stations, allowing you to overhear broadcasts as you explore. You can often interact with these physical radios to turn them on or off if their music becomes a distraction during combat or stealth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is the Wireless tab missing from my Journal?
A: You haven’t progressed far enough in the story. Complete the prologue mission, “A Cause Worth Killing For,” to unlock the radio feature.
Q2: Can I listen to the radio while walking around?
A: Yes. Once you select a station from the Journal > Wireless tab, it will continue to play as you explore the world, much like background music.
Q3: Does the radio content change as the story progresses?
A: Yes. The news segments and commentary on the stations can update to reflect your actions and major story developments, providing a dynamic view of the world’s reaction to your journey.
Q4: Is the Grand Plan Wireless station missable?
A: No, it is not missable. It is tied to main story progression and will unlock naturally as you advance the central narrative related to the Order of the Ascendant.
Conclusion
The radio in The Outer Worlds 2 is more than just a background feature; it’s a vital tool for understanding the game’s satirical world and the ideologies that shape it. By learning how to use the radio in The Outer Worlds 2, you gain access to the relentless consumerism of Wireless Free Arcadia, the authoritarian dogma of Protectorate Sanctioned Wireless, and the calculated futurism of Grand Plan Wireless. So, don’t forget to check your Journal Wireless tab regularly—it’s your direct line to the heart, soul, and corporate-sponsored madness of Halcyon.